Flemish citizens map their food environment

In short

This citizen science project uses a citizen-driven crowdsourcing and feedback system to map food environments in Flanders. Citizens collect and analyse data on the accessibility of healthy food in their neighbourhoods using an interactive and accessible tool. The findings will help shape healthier and more sustainable food strategies.

Need and relevance

Not everyone in Flanders has equal access to healthy food. In some neighbourhoods, limited availability contributes to unhealthy eating habits and greater health risks. This project addresses these inequalities by involving citizens in mapping their food environments and identifying areas for improvement.

From approach to impact

Citizens will map their food environments using a specially developed game. This citizen-driven crowdsourcing and feedback system will be tested and refined in two pilot labs, focusing on vulnerable groups. Additionally, three action labs will transform the collected insights into concrete strategies to promote healthier and more sustainable food environments. The results will support policymakers and researchers in developing effective and equitable food policies for Flanders.